In reply to The Norris:
Rivington Alpine is the best ski boot fitter in the NW and probably farther afield too. Not sure what deals they have on at the moment but you can be sure of not having to throw away a pair of poorly fitted boots after first season and start again, as far too many bargain hunters end up doing.

I've had good dealings with BackcountryUK. They tend to stock a reasonable range of ski touring boots, though you have to get em quick cos they go out of stock fast.

I've used sport-conrad, glissshop, telemark pyrenees and edgeandwax with no problems. Snowinn is also sometimes good for bargains but they're not 100% reliable. Don't order anything from them that isn't in stock! Their returns system has worked for me, and I've been refunded in full when they screwed up my order. They sell some of the cheapest touring bindings of anywhere in the EU and US... got some new dynafit tlt speeds for £205 right now, and radical speeds for £235.

Edge and Wax has some great deals on at the moment, I just picked up a set of Atomic Alibi 2013's with Marker Jester bindings for £435. To put this into perspective, the skis retailed at £450 and the bindings at £300. They've still got some in stock but only the 187's so you'd have to be tall - it also depends what type of ski you want, as I knew I wanted all mountain twin tip rockered skis that would be great on piste and powder alike. Your preference may be considerably different.

I picked up my new boots from Snow and Rock, I got the Tecnica Demon 130's for £189 (bargaintastic!) but again, this is a very personal choice, as I wanted a stiff lightweight boot for freestyle and off piste skiing. I would say buy skis online if you know your preferred size, but boots need to be bought and fitted in a shop, so that you get proper measurements and make sure they are good and snug.